FSIS issues public health alert for Blue Apron, Marley Spoon meals over Listeria risk
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Tuesday issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat meals made by FreshRealm after an FDA-regulated ingredient — riced cauliflower — tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS said a recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
The alert covers the following items (see labels via FSIS):
- Sold by Blue Apron: 13.05-ounce plastic tray packages labeled “DISH by Blue Apron Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables,” lot codes 25240 and 25247, bearing establishment number “P-3081.”
- Sold by Marley Spoon: 10.5-ounce packages labeled “BALANCE by Marley Spoon BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower,” lot code 25255, bearing establishment number “Est. 47718.”
FSIS said FreshRealm notified the agency after the riced cauliflower used in these products tested positive for L. monocytogenes. Based on current evidence, the affected products are not linked to any ongoing outbreak investigations. There have been no confirmed reports of illness.
Consumers who may still have the meals in home refrigerators or freezers should not eat them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, FSIS said.
L. monocytogenes infection (listeriosis) primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people and their newborns, but others can be affected. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Anyone in higher-risk groups who experiences flu-like symptoms within two months of eating a potentially contaminated product should seek medical care.
Consumers with questions about the alert may contact FreshRealm at 1-888-244-1562 or customerservice@freshrealm.com. Food safety questions can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or MPHotline@usda.gov. Problems with meat, poultry, or egg products can be reported at any time via the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
